Real Victims. Real Stories.

A hotline report was received regarding Samantha. Samantha was a 38 years old and had a traumatic brain injury and the cognitive functioning abilities of a young child. The report alleged physical abuse by Samantha’s sister. During the investigation, the investigator learned that Samantha and her sister were arguing and the sister hit her in the face and throat. Even with opposition from other family members, the investigator encouraged Samantha and helped her obtain a medical exam and treatment. The sister told the investigator that she knew how to hit Samantha ‘without hurting her.' The family did not want law enforcement involved but the investigator made a report of the abuse to local law enforcement. As a result of the investigation and subsequent referral to law enforcement, charges filed against the sister for 3rd Degree Assault.

A hotline report was received regarding Edmond. Edmond was 92 years old and terminally ill. He was living alone and the investigator found the house in deplorable condition. There was left-over food, dog feces, debris throughout the house. Roaches were observed on every surface of the home and Edmond had roach bites on his body. Edmond had no support system. After receiving medical treatment in the hospital, he spent approximately seven weeks in the homeless shelter with his dog while the investigator assisted in organizing community resources to take on the huge project of making Edmond’s home safe and insect free. This included complete removal of the furniture and carpet. The investigator even physically cleaned some of the home herself. In the end, Edmond was given his dying wish of being able to spend the remaining portion of his life in his home with his dog. Edmond is now receiving services in the home to assist with his daily needs and he is doing very well.

In of May 2013, a hotline report was received regarding Ethel. Ethel was 70 years old and the report indicated she had been physically abused for three hours by her son for revealing his whereabouts to law enforcement. After beating her, he drove Ethel to the local hospital and pushed her out of the moving vehicle in front of the emergency room doors. Ethel sustained severe bruising to her head, arms, legs, chest; lacerations to her head and face; and hemorrhaging around her eye. The next day, the son arrived at the hospital to visit his mother and was arrested, and charged with 2nd degree Elder Abuse. On December 13, 2013, he was sentenced to 8 years in prison for what he did to his mother.

Advocates for Seniors and People with Disabilities

A number of Missouri groups are dedicated to protecting the rights of older people and those with disabilities. Among them are the:

Prevent Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation is a crime that destroys thousands of Missouri lives and is becoming more common. The department has launched MOSAFE to stop it.

Mandated Reporters of Adult Abuse

By law, certain people are required to report abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults and persons with disabilities. Those people are called mandated reporters.

Due to the possible need for mandated reporters to report a concern to the Central Registry Unit (CRU) during the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. (when the hotline is not in operation), a Mandated Reporter Form is available for use.